China Bayles


China Bayles is the fictional protagonist of a popular and critically acclaimed series written by educator Susan Wittig Albert, formerly a writer of the Carolyn Keene series, Nancy Drew.
China is a determined woman who quit being a successful, big city lawyer, and decided to settle into a quiet small-town life as an owner of a herbal shop. But, she soon found the quiet life would not come easily for her. Along with her best friend, Ruby Wilcox, owner of a New Age shop next door, China solves murders using deductive reasoning, legal skills, and expertise based on her knowledge of herbs, which always figure in the titles and poisons used.
The first book, Thyme of Death, was nominated for both an Agatha and an Anthony award, two of the most eminent mystery awards in the industry.
The latest books include Dead Man's Bones and Bleeding Hearts.
The books are set in Texas.
They are not considered autobiographical, although China Bayles does have some things in common with her creator.
They both live in Texas, are independent career women who chose later in life to go "off the career track" and pursue other options.

Books in the series

  1. Thyme of Death
  2. Witches' Bane
  3. Hangman's Root
  4. Rosemary Remembered
  5. Rueful Death
  6. Love Lies Bleeding
  7. Chile Death
  8. Lavender Lies
  9. Mistletoe Man
  10. Bloodroot
  11. Indigo Dying
  12. A Dilly of a Death
  13. Dead Man's Bones
  14. Bleeding Hearts
  15. Spanish Dagger
  16. Nightshade
  17. Wormwood
  18. Holly Blues
  19. Mourning Gloria
  20. Cat’s Claw
  21. Widow's Tears
  22. Death Come Quickly
  23. Bittersweet
  24. Blood Orange
  25. The Last Chance Olive Ranch
  26. Queen Anne's Lace
  27. A Plain Vanilla Murder

    Anthologies